Willis, who is 30, missed much of last season after opting for season-ending toe surgery.
He was selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the 49ers and has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He is a five-time first-team All Pro and was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007.
The news is certainly unexpected for 49ers fans, who were hoping to see Willis back on the field for the upcoming season.
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